As Cyclone Alfred makes landfall shortly, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to South East Queensland’s coast, it’s impossible not to look back on one of Brisbane’s most defining weather events, the 1974 floods. Fifty years ago, on the evening of January 24, 1974, Tropical Cyclone Wanda crossed the coastline near Maryborough, unleashing five days of torrential rain across the southeast. The result was a catastrophic flood event that changed Brisbane and its surrounding communities forever.

Video – Brisbane during the 1974 floods. 5469, Eric Gaehler Collection, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded between 500mm and 900mm of rain in the Brisbane area, with Mount Glorious receiving 1,318mm over those five days. The Brisbane River swelled beyond capacity, breaking its banks and inundating entire suburbs. By the time the waters receded, more than 6,700 homes in Brisbane and another 1,800 properties in Ipswich had been severely damaged or destroyed. The scenes were reported as heartbreaking. Streets were turned into rivers, cars swept away, and families left with nothing but the muddy remnants of their homes. Sadly, in some areas, where houses just washed away Brisbane now has a couple of parks, like Downey Park in Windsor, which had previously been houses that weren’t rebuilt.

Brisbane’s construction and building industry played a vital role in rebuilding the city, from repairing homes to strengthening flood defenses.

Builders: The Unsung Heroes

Fast forward to today, as Cyclone Alfred arrives, and we are reminded once again of the crucial role that builders, tradies, and construction professionals play in the aftermath of natural disasters. In 1974, builders, carpenters, and engineers worked tirelessly to get families back into their homes, many of them working unpaid overtime to help their neighbours. It was an era where the “Queenslander spirit” shone through, a commitment to standing side by side with those in need.

We know that the same resilience exists today.

1974 flood footage. 29100, Gary Golding 1974 Brisbane Flood Film, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Bouncing Back Stronger

Natural disasters test our strength, but they also bring out the best in people. Already, as Alfred approaches, emergency crews, builders, and local trades are preparing to step up, ensuring that communities can recover swiftly and effectively. Some of the best stories that come out of these challenging times aren’t just about rebuilding homes; they’re about rebuilding lives.

Whether it’s a family reunited after evacuation, a community rallying around a small business to help them reopen, or a new builder getting their first big opportunity through the recovery efforts, we know that good stories will emerge. Just as we read about in 1974, the industry will rise to the occasion, with builders working around the clock to restore homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Footage of the 1974 flood, titled ‘When Will We Ever Learn’ 29226, Bill Rahmann Films, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland.

Wishing Everyone Safety and Resilience

To everyone in SEQ, northern NSW and beyond facing Cyclone Alfred today, we at The Good Builder wish you safety and resilience. Our industry has faced storms before, and we will continue to stand strong together.

Stay safe, look out for each other, and when the rebuilding begins, know that you’re part of a long tradition of bouncing back stronger than before.

Author: Jonathan Tibbits

Starting his career as a lawyer, Jonathan transitioned into project management, compliance, and certification for companies throughout the industry supply chain in Australia and New Zealand. With international experience in green building, sustainability and stakeholder communication, he is passionate about innovation and building transparency and trust.